07
February
2019
|
10:59 AM
America/Chicago

Message from UHDPD Chief: Spring Safety Tips

Dear UHD Community,

The spring semester is in full swing. I know many of you are focused on classes, projects or your day-to-day assignments. Regardless of your workload, I encourage faculty, staff and students to work together—and with the UHD Police Department—to maintain a safe campus.

Being aware of your surroundings and keeping a watchful eye on your belongings are two simple ways to ensure the safety of yourselves and your property.

UHD has a close knit community, which creates a sense of trust and familiarity. Some of you might feel comfortable enough to leave valuable personal items (phones, laptops, tablets) unattended in public spaces even for just a few seconds. Unattended property can easily be stolen. Even if your property is within your view, it can be a target for thieves. Keep all of your items within your reach while you are on campus.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind:

  • Don’t walk or jog alone at night. Find a running buddy to work out with, or partner with a classmate or co-worker to walk to parking lots or garages. Also, take advantage UHD’s shuttle buses for transportation from parking lots to campus.
  • Avoid dimly lit areas and short cuts. Stick to well-traveled paths to and from UHD buildings.
  • Be alert at all times.
  • Don’t wear earphones while walking or driving.
  • If you think you are being followed by someone, change directions and find an occupied area. Or, look for the nearest UHDPD emergency call box.
  • Don’t overload yourself with books, bags and items while walking.
  • Carry personal belongings (purses, bags, etc.) close to your body.
  • Keep UHDPD’s numbers in your phone’s contacts list – 713-221-8065 (non-emergency) or 713-221-8911 (emergency).
  • Make note of the yellow UHDPD emergency call boxes in parking lots and on campus. It is helpful to know where these boxes are located in the event you need to contact our department’s dispatch office.

And remember, UHDPD courtesy escorts are available to all faculty, staff and students. You can visit the UHD Police Department in N118 to request a security guard or officer to walk you to your vehicle. Or, contact 713-221-8065 (non-emergency) to request a Security Escort. Call boxes also can be used to request UHDPD escorts.

Our university remains one of the safest in the state. By working together, we can ensure that UHD stays on this list and our community remains ready to Finish UHD Strong.

Sincerely,

Michael Benford
UHD Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police

About the University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.

U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.